War Work Activities 



of the 



Monmouth Public Schools 



1917-1918 



PUBLISHED BY 

THE BOARD OF EDUCATION 

MONMOUTH, ILLINOIS 



j; 



^c^" 



SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT 

ON 

WAR WORK ACTIVITIES 



Office of Board of Education, 

District No. 38, Monmouth, Illinois. 

June 10th, 1918. 

To the Members of the Board of Education : — 

T am pleased to submit herewith a report of the War Work Activities 
of the Monmouth Public Schools for the school year ending May 31st, 1918. 

The information included in this bulletin is a brief summary of the re- 
ports of the teachers and Principals of the several schools. It will give you 
and our patrons, and all others who are interested, a general idea of what 
the schools are doing in patriotic service. I have only to regret that space 
forbids a more detailed account of this matter. It would be very instructive 
and inspiring to read the detailed reports of the teachers on file in the Office. 

The Patriotism of the schools and the Will to serve in every possible way 
needs no extended comment. Our teachers and pupils are 100 per cent loy- 
al and true. They are eager to do their part. This report is evidence of their 
fine spirit and untiring work. 

This report is, therefore, intended also as an appreciation of the patriot- 
ism and service of our teachers and pupils. The work of the year has been 
strenuous. But in place of retarding the regular work of the schools, the 
War Work Activities have proved stimulating and helpful in many ways. 
The teachers report : 

"The war has marked effect upon the school and its work. All 
lines of work have been greatly motivated, influenced and broad- 
ened by the war activities." 

"Linking the War Activities with school life has greatly influ- 
enced the education of the child. Education has a deeper signifi 
cance. 'Thrift and Disposition to Save' is being well developed." 

"The war has afifected the school and its work immeasurably for 
good. The home and the school have been brought closer together 
by it. Thrift, patriotism, love and service are some of the lessons 
learned." 



REPORT CF WAR WCRK ACTIVITIES 



"The work this year has been unusually interesting. Every- 
where the relation of school work to life interests has been made 
manifest." 

"While much of the regular work of the school has been inter- 
rupted, it has been replaced by work of a more vital importance, the 
quality of which has been excellent." 

"In connection with the various war work activities the value 
of. our teaching cannot be measured. It will outlast the war itself. 
Thrift has been taught and practiced as never before. New standards 
of patriotism have been set. ideals of love and service given which 
should make for the transformation of young America." 

With such a spirit at work in the schools, our children are sure to be 
patriotically and practically instructed in the duties and responsibilit}- of 
American citizenship. The teachers of Monmouth deserve great credit for 
their work and influence. 

With the hope that this report may prove interesting and instructive.' and 
hopeful and helpful to others, it is sent forth as a token of the Patriotism 
and Service of the Monmouth Public Schools. 



\'erv cordiallv. 



L. L. Caldwell,. 
Superintendent of Schools. 



'^ 



of D. 

'4 1919 



MOXMOUTH PUBLIC SCHOOL: 



I. FOOD CONSERVATION 

1. Clubs Formed: There are four clubs in the Elementary School. 
The purpose of each club is to learn the values of food, the great 
need for food stuffs in relation to the war. and to study ways to 
conserve foods in order to help win the war. 

In one school, a club called the "Conservation Club" was organized 
with a membership of 108 pupils. The members were divided into 
six companies under Boy Scout Leaders. Each Boy Scout kept a 
record and gave points to the members of his company for: 

a — Wheatless and meatless meals ; 
b — Care of clothing; 

c — Saving some money otherwise spent for candy or movies 
and buying thrift stamps ; 

d — Cleaning plate at every meal. 

After a child earned fifty points he received a pledge card which 
he signed and took home. 

The captains of these companies made four-minute talks on Con- 
servation and Waste to the club and to the lower grades. 

2. Correlation with Regular School Work : 

a. Language : Several periods were given over to informal conver- 
sational lessons on- "Saving Food' ; "Why we should send white 
bread to the soldiers and eat substitutes ourselves" ; "How we ob- 
serve wheatless, meatless and sweetless days at our house". Com- 
positions were written on similar subjects. Pledges were made, 
the themes of which were to conserve food by "candyless" days ; 
also by finishing a meal with a clean plate. 

One of our First Grade rooms adopted the following pledge 
which was given each morning after the salute to the flag: 

"I will avoid all waste, to this I truly swear, 

I will be careful of my clothes and everything I wear, 

Xo foolish pennies will I spend, but save that I may give 

To those less fortunate than I, who find it hard to live. 

And what I take upon my. plate. I'll eat up every bit. 

Nor make complaint because I am not fond of it. 

And dishes new I'll learn to eat as far as I am able. 

But one thing I will never do. that's be finicky at table." 



REPORT OF WAR WORK ACTI\'IT[ES 




MARrliARY. NO LONGER CONTRARY, 

Has made a home garden grow. 
With turnips and beans. 

to feed the marines 
And soldiers and sailors you know 



MONMOUTH PUBLIC SCHOOLS 



b. Reading: Bulletins on Preserving and Conserving Foods were 
read. Government Bulletins were secured and used as reading 
material. Children cut articles from papers and magazines which 
were used for reading. 

c. Arithmetic : War Problems sent out by the Government were 
used. 

Original Problems such as : 

1. If your mother should substitute 5 qts. of milk at 10c. a qt. 
for 3 lbs. of meat at 40c. a lb. would she be saving money? 
If so. how much? 

2. If a family used 14 lbs. of meat each week last year and have 
decreased the amount 25 per cent this year, how many lbs. have 
been saved. 

d. Physiology- : Listed food stuffs needed by soldiers on the march 
and while convalescent. , 

Too much candy is not good for us. 

Too much meat is not good for us. 

we can economize on these food articles and be more healthy 

ourselves. 

e. Nature Stud}- : What vegetables to plant early and which to 
plant late and what ones should be planted this year. 

f. Some girls made Food Conservation Books. 

g. Correlated with art by making posters. 

Each school had talks on "Food Conservation" by some prominent citizen. 



In the High School we have discontinued the serving of food at class 
parties and socials. An informal party costing about $30 was substituted 
for the customary banquet given by Juniors to Seniors and usually costing 
over $200. 

Much instruction in English and Arithmetic was directed along the line 
of Food Conservation. 



REPORT OF WAR WORK ACTIVITIES 



^fflfe 




SiMEBODY HAS TQ RAISE 

8R PACK 

EVERYTHING YIU EAT: 

BO VeUR SHARE! 



CRAors a AMS J 




ON DAY WE HAVE LESS HEAT 

Tuesday we eat no meat 
Wednesday we have no whem 
Thursday have less sweet 
Friday have less to eat 
Saturday no pork for meat 
Sunday when the pAniLr meet 

IE WILL HAVE LESS TO 

1318 





MONMOUTH PUBLIC SCHOOLS 



EXAMPLES OF FOOD CONSERVATION WORK IN THE 
ELEAIENTARY SCHOOLS 

(Note: The following copy is a bulletin sent out from the Office of the 
Superintendent. Several Bulletins of one kind and another were sent out 
during the year). 

MONMOUTH PUBLIC SCHOOLS 

Office of Superintendent 

Date: October 31, 1917. 

To whom : The Teachers. 

Subject: "Active-Interest" Outcomes of Instruction on Food Conservation. 

All reports of instruction given on Food Conservation show a fine inter- 
est and good general activities. They are all highly commendable. Some of 
them were especially good. 

The active part taken by the children is to be comended. The following 
are some of the more important "Active-Interest Outcomes reported : 

CENTRAL 

"A Conservation Pledge" — Grade I. 

"I will avoid all waste, to this I truly swear, 

I will be careful of my clothes and everything I wear. 

No foolish pennies wilUI spend, but save that I may give 

To those less fortunate than I, who find it hard to live. 

And what I take upon my plate, I'll eat up every bit, 

Nor make complaint because I am not fond of it. 

And dishes new I'll learn to eat as far as I am able. 

But one thing I will never do — that's be finicky at table." 

"A Class Poster on Foods" — Grade III. 

"We are working on a class poster to emphasize by picture the foods 
to use and those to save." 

"A Patriotic Club" — Grade VI. 

"The purpose of this club is to devote some time regularly to the study 
of patriotic songs, events, etc., and to practice patriotism at every op- 
portunity. The school is to be divided into two sections, each of which 
will be responsible for certain reports to the school. It is planned to 
follow the current events of the war and to practice war economy in 
every possible way." 



REPORT OF WAR WORK ACTIVITIES 



"A Scrap Book and Menu Book — Grade VIII. 

Both books were well prepared, showing active interest, appreciative 
intelligence and a spirit "to do". Ver}- commendable. 

GARFIELD 

"Pledge Cards" — Grade III. 

"Each child wrote a letter home about "Food Conservation" and asked 
to have the "Pledge Cards signed". The effort was to have the chil- 
dren get active in the homes." 

"News Clippings on Food Conservation" — Grade V. 

"Pupils Wrote Letters" — Grade VI. 

"The pupils wrote to the Government for "Farmers' Bulletin No. 565, 
having it sent to their own homes. This bulletin is on "Corn Meal as 
a Food". The pupils also wrote letters home explaining the Food 
Conservation Movement." 

"Food Conservation League" — Grades VII and VIII. 

"Pupils and teachers sign a pledge to avoid waste, destriicHveness and 
extravagance. They call themselves "The Consevation League". 

HARDING 
"Junior Home Reserve Club" — Grades VI and VII. 

"Monday evening, we formed the "Junior Home Reserves Club". This 
is a club for girls under sixteen. The purpose is to teach the girls 
how to do things so they may help their mothers, so their mothers 
will have more time for Red Cross Work, which most of the girls 
cannot do. They are to learn how to make beds hospital style and to 
cook different things. Then every month besides learning some house- 
hold duty., they are to do something to help the soldiers. This month 
they are to make gun wipes. Twenty-two girls, out of twenty-six 
joined this club. They are very much enthused about it." 

WILLITS 
"Arithmetic Lessons" — Grade IV. 

Worked out cost of luncheon for eight people ; also cost of ordinary 
meal for eight people. Other similar problems with reference to cost 



MOXMOUTH PUBLIC SCHOOLS 



liTF 




U 



^^'^m^ 




Little Herbie Hoover has come 

1- to our house to stay 
make us scrape the dishes 

clean ahd store the crumbs /way 
F CARBOHYDRATES FATB fim PROTEINS 

OHE HAS MUCH TO TELL 
F FOOD VALUES AND CALORES THAT 
HKEEP YOU STRONG fiNO WELL 
E s/yrs YOU must save fuel 

AND MIND WHAT YOUftE ABOUT 

Or THE GERMANS WILL GET 

YOU IF YOU DQNT WATCH OUT 



10 REPORT OF WAR WORK ACTIVITIES 

of living. Oral reports from class as to results obtained in wroking 
out cost of two different menus. Difference in cost of two meals was 
emphasized, showing that one way to conserve food is to do away with 
elaborate entertaining. 

"Agreement to Practice Coxservatiox" — Bulletin Board — Grade ^'. 

The Fifth Grade of Willits have agreed to use one less teaspoonful of 
sugar a day, on cereal drink or other food. Part of the money they 
have spent for gum and candy they are going to use for buying stamps. 
These stamps are to be used on letters we are planning to write to the 
American soldiers. 

Bulletin Board : Pupils are going to bring clippings from magazines 
and newspapers on questions of the day. We will have discussion of 
these during two Opening Exercise periods of the week. 

Besides these active-interest outcomes, there was excellent instruction 
given in all grades. The reports show two kinds of work : 

1. More or less formal instruction. 

2. Organized activities along lines mentioned above. 

For the most part, the instructional work was well outlined and many 
interesting things were done, such as : 

1. Writing letters. 

2. Giving talks. , 

3. Reading articles. 

4. Writing compositions. 

In reading these reports, one cannot help being impressed with the 
thought that the children have been well instructed and have carried the 
instruction into their homes. We cannot do better than continue such work 
regularly and make it especially effective at every good opportunity. 

With a thought that these reports may be suggestive for future occa- 
sions, they have been transmitted to you. 



Verv cordiallv vours. 



L. L. Caldwell, 
Superintendent of Schools. 



MONMOUTH PUBLIC SCHOOLS 11 

II, FUEL CONSERVATION 

On "Tag Your Shovel Day" every child in the Monmouth Public Schools 
was given tags with which to tag the home shovels and those of neigh- 
bors. Practically every shovel in Monmouth was tagged. 
Talks were given by the teachers in each room. 

Correlation with Regular School Work: 

Composition : Essays on : 

Effect of a little Saving by Each Million People. 

Why tag your shovel. 

Coal Shortage and its Causes. 

How to Run a Furnace. 

Heatless Mondays for Business Houses. 

Reading : 

Articles in the Government Bulletins "Lessons in National and 
Community Life" — also other Government Bulletins from the 
U. S. Fuel Administration, and articles from papers and mag- 
azines. 

Hygiene : 

Ventilation. 

Living and sleeping temperature. 
Health in winter and home temperatures. 

Keep a thermometer in home and regulation temperature of 
• 68 degrees. 

Heat only necessary rooms. 

Geography : 

Studied coal mines ; where located ; methods of mining ; how 
many more things coal is needed for now than in the years 
1900-1914. 

Art: 

Posters made and exhibited. 

In the High School several lessons in English were directed 

along the lines of Fuel Conservation. 



12 REPORT OF WAR WORK ACTIVITIES 

III. THRIFT WORK 

In Elementary School: 

1. Amount invested in Thrift Stamps $ 1,452.40 

2. Amount invested in W. S. S 1,172.75 

3. Amount invested in Liberty Bonds $10,825.00 



$13,450.15 

8 pupils belong to a Christmas Savings Club. 
One room has a War Savings Society. 
In High School: 

1. Thrift Stamps owned $ 503.00 

2. Liberty Bonds owned 6,770.00 



$ 7,273.00 

IV. CONTRIBUTIONS 

1. To Army Y. M. C. A $777.55 

2. To Red Cross 200.00 

3. Smileage Books 260.00 

4. Other Relief 31.00 

5. Soldiers' Library Fund 60.00 

6. Christmas Boxes 14 boxes and 12.10 

$1,340.65 

7. Children of Elementary School sold Christmas Red Cross Seals. 

8. Other Contributions : 

Each Elementary School supports a French or Belgian Baby. 
Departments of High School, each supporting one baby are : 

[ , Pierian Literary Society. 

French Classes. 
High School Faculty. 

One room in the elementary school has donated clothes to a col- 
lection to be used for children in the school who need clothing. 

A good deal of clothing has been distributed to the poor children 
by this room. 



MONMOQTH PUBLIC SCHOOLS 13 



v^. RED CROSS 

1. Membership: Elementary Schools, 100 per cent. High School, 

75 per cent. 

2. Work done : 

List of articles made: 

Handkerchiefs 81 

Socks 17 

Helmets 13 

Wristlets 121 

Sweaters 66 

Scarfs 40 

Knitted washclothes 23 

Napkins 24 

Baby Blankets 9 

4 inch squares 500 

18 inch squares 150 

Army pillows 2 

Mouth Wipes 480 

Gun wipes 810 

Ration heaters 175 

Red Cross books to be sent to hospitals 19 

630 feet spool knitting for robe. 
Knitted squares for afghan. 
83 squares for blanket. 
3 bushel snipples. 

Surgical Dressings : 

Compresses 289 

Sponges 255 

All work in High School Sewing classes now being done on Red Cross 
sewing. 

VI. FOOD PRODUCTIONS 

In the Alonmouth Public Schools four Garden Clubs have been organ- 
ized, with an average of 42 members each. Meetings are held at which 
interesting talks on the work are given by members of the Club. Gar- 
den seeds received from Washington were given out to the children. 
Many children have small gardens of their own or help in the home 
garden. Bulletins on Gardening and Food Production have been re- 
ceived from Washington and from Ames Agricultural College. These 



14 REPORT OF WAR WORK ACTIMTIES 

have been used to good advantage. Vacant lots have been investigated 
and people who have no garden plots have been put in touch with the 
owners. One room has been given a plot of ground on which they 
expect to plant popcorn, the proceeds of which will be used in War 
Relief work. 

112 boys from Monmouth Schools have volunteered to do farm work 
this summer. Most of these boys have been excused a few weeks be- 
fore the close of school and provision made by which they do not lose 
their school credits. 

VII. UiMCLASSIED ACTIVITIES 

1. Teaching from Government Bulletins : 

Lessons in National and Community Life. 
Pamphlet from U. S. Treasury on W. S. S. 

The Aeroplane — its Use and Demand and Means of Construction. 
The War Uses and Demands of Nitrate. 
Vocational Education. 

Department of Interior — its branches and work. 
Coins and Paper Aloney. 
U. S. Fuel Administration and its Work. 
Telephones and Telegraph. 

Conservation as exemplified by Irrigation Projects. 
In the Junior High School 146 lessons from Government Bulle- 
tins were taught in Reading and Public Speaking classes. This 
reading material was used in most cases as subject matter for 
extempore speech and for discussion according to parliamentary 
procedure. 

In the Senior High School Government Bulletins were taught in 
Civics, History and English classes. 

2. Patriotic Addresses were given from time to time by prominent 
men in the community on the following subj ects : 

"Liberty Bonds." 

"War Savings Stamps." 

"Army Life." 

"Lincoln." 

"Washington." 

"Conservation." 

"Thrift and War Savings Stamps." 

"Patriotism and Preparing for Life's Work." 

"War Gardens." 

Four-Minute Speakers were chosen from Grades 5 to 8. These 

were sent from school to school to speak before different rooms. 



MONMOUTH PUBLIC SCHOOLS 



15 




16 REPORT OF WAR WORK ACTIVITIES 

3. Patriotic Programs. 

These programs were given on each day of national interest. 
The programs usually consisted of music, readings and stunts by 
the pupils and an address by some prominent citizen. There were 
special programs on Liberty Day, Washington's and Lincoln's 
Birthdays, Loyalty Day, Illinois Day, etc. 
, The Junior High School held a Patriotic Oratorical Contest. The 
12 contestants were chosen from 51 pupils all of whom had mem- 
orized an extract from "Wilson's War Message." The speeches 
given were by Wilson, Root, Lane, and the Duke of Devonshire. 
The program was indeed one of inspiring patriotism. 
In High School every opportunity of hearing the "boys home on 
furloughs" was taken. Former students now in the service were 
enthusiastically welcomed. 

On Illinois Day a special program was Arranged for the presen- 
tation of an Illinois Flag v»^hich was won by our High School in 
an essay-writing contest. 

On May 22, the High School had a very impressive patriotic ser- 
vice by which a gold star was placed upon the service flag, this 
being the first of 64 blue stars to be replaced by a gold one. 
The Great Lakes Naval Band visited Monmouth, boosting Lib- 
erty Bonds and War Savings Stamps, and the schools were dis- 
missed to help welcome the Band. The High School military 
Cadets marched to the depot when the drafted men left for camp, 
and helped in giving them a hearty send-off. 

VIII. WAR WORK REPORT-INDUSTRIAL ARTS 
DEPARTMENT- 

During the past year the Industrial Arts Department has been organized 
to meet the peculiar and urgent demands which the great war situation has 
thrust upon the public schools. This situation has been accepted as a chal- 
lenge and an earnest effort made to meet it as far as possible without an 
entire reorganization of the work. 

In the first place the type of work done in the department has shown 
a decided shift of emphasis from the somewhat theoretical to the more 
practical lines of activity. In the grade shops the courses have been ar- 
ranged to give the boys practical experience in building operations, con- 
crete construction and electrical work in addition to the more generally 
accepted lines. Also, a set of cobbler's tools has been provided so that the 
boys may prolong the usefulness of their shoes as a war economy measure. 

In the high school two new courses have been offered in an attempt to 
help solve the war problem. One course is in electrical work and covers 
the more practical and constructive side. The final problem in the course 



MONMOUTH PUBLIC SCHOOLS 17 

is the construction of a first class induction coil, complete with interrupter, 
condenser, and rheostat. The other course covers the theory, operation, and 
repair of gas engines and tractors. This course has been particularly suc- 
cessful. The boys not only got a lot of practical work with and on engines 
in school but several went out of school to operate engines and tractors for 
the farmers during the spring and summer, thus helping to solve the farm 
labor problem. In all about fortj' men and boys attended the day and night 
school in gas engines. 

Perhaps in a more direct way the school boys contributed by building 
recreation apparatus for the Y. M. C. A. centers at Camp Dodge, Iowa. The 
first of May we shipped to the Camp : 

24 Solitaire Boards. 
24 Checker Boards. 
16 Jumping Standards. 

All of the above were made by the boys in the department. In the 
grade shop the carpentry class repaired a porch for a citizen who gave them 
two dollars for the job. This money they turned over to the fund for war 
orphans. 

We are planning to shape the work of our department for next year so 
as to perform as large a public service as possible without working an in- 
justice upon the boys. 

Bex \V. Leib, Supervisor. 

IX. REPORT OF HOME ECONOMICS WAR 
ACTIVITIES 

A j-ear ago the U. S. Department of Education asked that schools having 
Home Economics Departments co-operate with the local Red Cross and 
other war agencies. In compliance with that request the Department made 
known to the local representatives its willingness to help as soon as the Red 
Cross was organized for work. The following is a list of things done by the 
Department : 

The Domestic Science work has been very much altered to meet tht 
war conditions. The change which seemed most revolutionary is that in 
regard to the disposal of the food prepared in the laboratory. Heretofore, 
it has been customary to allow the girls to eat or to serve a friend the food 
prepared. This year it has been sold in the lunchroom, a practice which has 
greatly reduced the running expenses of the Department. 

The foods prepared have of necessity been different and a few changes 
have been made in the general schedule of work. For example, no candy 



18 



REPORT OF WAR WORK ACTIVITIES 




MONMOUTH PUBLIC SCHOOLS 19 

lessons have been given and the behavior of sugar crystals was taught with 
test tube quantities. The use of hone}- to replace sugar was taught when 
candy-making would otherwise have been taken up. 

The girls have been asked to read government bulletins to a greater 
extent than before, particularh* those published as a result of the war. 

Canning and drying work has been emphasized both last fall and again 
this spring. 

The lunch room classes have, in addition to work on substitutes for 
wheat sugar, fat. and meat, had considerable practice on the use of left- 
overs. 

One special class for grade children has been maintained during the 
second semester and the work given them has been arranged to meet the 
needs of the year. Three high school girls doing advanced Home Economics 
work have taught the class, under supervision, for credit. 

At Thanksgiving time two classes of High School girls donated and 
cooked the food to pack nine bushel baskets. These baskets were distri- 
buted in Monmouth as a part of the War Relief work. The foods contri- 
buted and packed were strictly in accord with the requests of the Food Ad- 
ministration. 

At Christmas time these classes packed ten boxes of food to be sent to 
Monmouth Alumni at Camp Dodge. The War Relief Organization of the 
school furnished the materials. 

April 20th, the class in Cooking I., served a potato luncheon as a part 
of the advertising campaign for the further use of potatoes to replace wheat. 

In the Sewing classes emphasis has been put upon the study of textiles 
and the identification of fabrics. The class in Sewing IV. has spent a large 
part of its time on making over clothing and have succeeded in getting most 
attractive garments. The Class in Sewing III. spent some time on pajamas 
and bed socks. They also made the High School Service Flag. At present 
all of the classes are turned over for Red Cross work and the girls are mak- 
ing on an average of one garment apiece each week. The work has been 
reported by the local Chapter as very satisfactory. 

In the ^elementary school a considerable amount of the work in Sewing 
classes was done on a war work basis, including made-over clothing, clothes 
for Belgian Relief and French children. Red Cross articles, etc. The girls 
of the Eighth Grade Graduating Class made their own dresses. 

Respectfully submitted. 

Hazel M. Shultz, 
Department of Home Economics. 



20 



REPORT CF WAR WORK ACTIVITIES 




MONMOUTH PUBLIC SCHOOLS 21 

X. REPORT OF PHYSICAL TRAINING WAR WORK 
ACTIVITIES 

The fact that a large per cent of young men are being found to lack 
physical vigor has served as a stimulus to the department of Physical Edu- 
cation in Monmouth Public Schools and has brought before the public eye 
the vast problem of making boys and girls physically fit for a maturity that 
can be of real service to humanity. 

A recent investigation in the grade schools shows that fifty-two per cent 
of the children have some physical defect, however slight, which with proper 
care and treatment could practically be eliminated. Surely it is worth while 
if these boys and girls are to be the "history-makers" of tomorrow. 

The High School girls have gone in for special posture work, determined 
that military training should not give the boys an added advantage in that 
respect. They have played games that involve the use of every muscle in 
the body, with a zest and spirit that is fine. They have developed grace and 
agility through folk dancing and withal a splendid sportsmanship that is 
commendable. 

A public demonstration and the proceeds, twenty-five dollars, went to the 
local Red Cross. 

A number of girls who are particularly capable and want their service to 
count, are taking charge of the school playgrounds this summer in order that 
many mothers may do Red Cross work while their children are supervised 
at play. 

They are giving their time and effort in a happy, conscientious way that 
is appreciated by parents and children alike. 

Respectfully submitted, 

Maude S. Hood 
Nelle E. Lyman 

XL REPORT OF HEALTH DEPARTMENT ON WAR 
WORK ACTIVITIES 

The Physical Examination of young men for the Army reveals the fact 
that 70 per cent of the men rejected were rejected because of defects that 
could have been corrected during school life. This fact has increased the 
demand for school health work. Parents are beginning to realize this fact 
and to act when the school suggests that their children have defects. 

The physical examination in the Monmouth Public Schools reveals 78 
per cent of all children examined as defective in some way, varying from 
slight to serious defects. It also reveals 2-plus defects for each child. 



22 REPORT OF WAR WORK ACTIVITIES 

among which were six suspected tubercular cases, 220 enlarged tonsils, 364 
with defective teeth, 115 with defective eyes. One of the points for special 
emphasis has been to get teacher and parents to realize the enormous drain 
on the school work from these defects. The War has given us one of our 
biggest arguments in urging this work. 

The teaching of Health and Hygiene has been revolutionized by the 
patriotic idea, especially with the boys. So many of the health rules and 
hygiene lessons are absolutely demanded of soldiers so that the pupils want 
to live up to them because they have a brother, cousin, or friend in camp 
that lives up to them. We have had some special lectures on this subject 
by the nurse and doctors. 

The nation has ordered a Child Conservation year. The Woman's Coun- 
cil of National Defense has charge of the work. Our Health Department 
has co-operated with this Committee. We held mothers' meetings in each 
school and have on now plans for a Child Welfare Conference in the early 
fall. 

The systematic thought that mothers have given the food question this 
year has improved the nourishment of many children. The Conservation 
plans will produce a more robust race of Americans. 

To write out the Health War Work is like trying to describe just exactly 
how the sun makes things grow. It can not be well put in words, yet it is 
the greatest incentive to growth. So the war is the greatest incentive to 
children to live and grow to be men and women physically perfect. Yet to 
put it into figures is impossible. 

Respectfully submitted, 

Merlin Wilkin, R. N. 
Supervisor of Health Dept. 

XII. WAR WORK ACTIVITIES OF ART DEPARTMENT 

The education of the public through the use of posters has been one of 
the unique features of the present war activities. 

Seeing in this popularity of the war poster an opportunity to combine 
patriotic sentiment with original illustration, artistic design and careful 
handwork, the Art Department has given the making of food conservation, 
thrift and war garden posters a large place in the drawing program for 
the year. 

In order that all the pupils of a grade, not just the talented few, should 
have a chance to work on these posters, a few of the letters needed were 
made by each pupil and were pasted on the poster, and where possible the 



MONMOUTH PUBLIC SCHOOLS 23 



illustration was a composite picture made up by many pupils' work. This 
work has developed originality in illustration and in the composition of 
patriotic jingles. 

All of the fifth and sixth grades have made posters and a number were 
in the first, second, third and fourth grades. These posters have been ex- 
hibited in the several schools and at meetings of different clubs, held to dis- 
cuss food conservation, war gardens and child welfare. 

Next year we have planned to follow up the work of these "commnity 
made" posters by urging individual pupils to enter the various national and 
state poster contests where prizes are offered for the most original and ar- 
tistic patriotic posters. 

Respectfully submitted, 

Ida Glenn, Supervisor. 

XIII. REPORT OF MUSIC DEPARTMENT- WAR WORK 

Believing that nothing which children receive in their schooling gives 
more lasting pleasure through life than a knowledge and appreciation of 
music, the Department of Music has been expanded in the public schools. 
Certainly no agency has given more loyal, cheerful and efficient co-operation 
to all of the war work than the teachers and children of our public schools. 

As we are all thinking in terms of war and of means of being of service 
the Music Department has put forth its effort along this line. A definite 
place for the study of patriotic songs has been given both throughout the 
grades and the High School. Each pupil has been required to commit to 
memory the melody and at least one or two of the most important verses 
of our leading national songs. 

Many patriotic songs have been written by the children, the best of these 
being gathered together and printed in a small booklet. We were able to 
turn over fifty-five dollars to our local Red Cross Chapter from the sale of 
these song books. 

The Girls' Advanced Glee Club of the High School presented a varied 
program of patriotic nature, in several of the nearby towns. A certain per 
cent of the proceeds was given to the Red Cross. 

When the men return to their homes after the war they will probaly 
find their own communities singing the same songs that they themselves 
have been learning and we shall have such a strengthening and national unity 
through song as could probably be achieved in no other way. 

Respectfully submitted, 

Edna M. Smith, Supervisor. 



24 REPORT OF 'v\ AR WORK ACTIVITIES 



XIV. REPORT OF DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY 
TRAINING 

At the beginning of the school year in September 1917 Military work was 
organized in Monmouth High School. Every boy in High School was re- 
quired to register for Military Training unless excused by the advice of a 
physician. The work was organized under the direction of Lieutenant A. 
B. Carr. The program of work was organized so that the boys were given 
drill periods, military instruction, setting-up exercises, etc., twice a week 
during fort3--five minute periods. 

In addition to these regular class periods which were organized on the 
basis of regular Physical Training periods, there was special dirll on Monday 
evenings at the close of school. The work in instruction included regular 
military drill, setting-up exercises, target practice and some instruction with 
reference to communication, signalling, etc. 

During the latter part of the year, the boys were organized into com- 
panies with cadet officers in charge. 

The boys w-ere required to provide themselves with regular military uni- 
forms which were purchased by them at a cost of $9.85 each. 

It is planned to carry on this work next year in a larger and more 
effective way, emphasizing especially the physical training side of the mili- 
tary drill anS also instruction in Communication, such as Signalling, Tele- 
graphy, Wireless, etc. 



The following Bulletins are illustrative of the communications and di- 
rections sent out from the Superintendent's office during the year. Such 
Bulletins are issued on all special days and in connection with important 
events. During the year 48 were issued. 

MONMOUTH PUBLIC SCHOOLS 

Office of Superixtexdext 

Date : October 23, 1917. 

To Whom : The Principals. 

Subject: Bulletins for the Teachers. 

You will find herewith some bulletins for the teachers, which you will 
kindly place in their hands at your earliest convenience. The "Second Lib- 
erty Loan of 1917, — a Source Book" is a mine of information. I shall be 
pleased to have you cooperate wnth the teachers of your building in every 
way to make this material useful. We should be careful not to overwork the 



MONMOUTH PUBLIC SCHOOLS 



25 





26 REPORT OF WAR WORK ACTIVITIES 

use of such material, but I am sure there may be found plenty of oppor- 
tunity to use it effectively. 

It would be well to remind the teachers and pupils that tomorrow, 
Wednesday, October 24th, becomes a new day in American History, — "Liberty 
Day". The newspapers and current literature will be full of references con- 
cerning it. 

Very cordially yours, 

L, L. Caldwell, Superintendent. 

MONMOUTH PUBLIC SCHOOLS 
Office of Superintendent 

Date : October 25, 1917. 

To Whom : The Teachers. 

Subject: Saving Food and Clothing. 

You will find herewith copies I to V inclusive of the Department of 
Agriculture Food Thrift Series, which may contain further suggestions to 
you with reference to food saving. The. articles on "How to Stop Food 
Waste" and on "Food Economy" will doubtless suggest many good topics 
for instruction in connection with your work in health and Hygiene, as well 
as other studies. We have at hand a number of these copies, which might 
be used in the upper grades for reading lessons and as outlines for other 
lessons. If you should wish to use several copies, kindly notify the office. 

In connection with Food Saving, it will be worth while to work out some 
lessons along the line of wheat, meat, sugar and fats, developing the impor- 
tance of these articles as foods, the present supply in the country, and how 
we may economize their use by preventing waste and using only needed 
amounts. I wish to suggest that we extend our work along these lines fur- 
ther than this particular week, and shall be pleased to have each teacher 
develop definite outlines of work along the line of Food Saving, with par- 
ticular reference to these four important items of our food supply. 

It will be well also at this time to develop some instruction along the 
lines of saving our clothing. I wish to suggest that valuable lessons may be 
taught with reference to taking care of our clothing, so as to make it look 
well and wear longer. A good lesson may be taught to the children with 
reference to leather and shoes, pointing out the scarcity of leather, the great 
demand for it for our soldiers and our need to economize in the care of 
our shoes. By keeping them clean, carefully polished and oiled, they will 
last much longer. Lessons on taking care of our clothing may be taught to 
good advantage to the smaller children who will respond very readily t(' 
suggestion. 



MONMOUTH PUBLIC SCHOOLS 27 

It is in taking care of the little things with reference to food and cloth- 
ing that the boys and girls may be of greatest service at the present time in 
conserving our supplies. Whatever you may be able to do along these lines, 
I am sure will be profitable and productive of good results. 

Very cordially yours, 

MONMOUTH PUBLIC SCHOOLS 

Office of Superintexdext 

Date: December 17, 1917. 

To Whom : The Principals. 

Subject: Publications of the Committee on Public Information. 

You will find herewith a booklet describing the "Plan to Enlist the Edu- 
cational Forces of the Country in Promoting an Intelligent Understanding 
of the War", together with a list of the publications of the Committee on 
Public Information. This pamphlet came to our office in this morning's 
mail. We are today filing with the Bureau of Education a complete report 
of our several schools, giving the number of pupils in the schools, as per the 
plan described in the booklet. 

I believe it to be worth while for you to direct your teachers to look over 
this booklet and to make themselves familiar with the general purpose and 
main outlines of the plan. They will find also these booklets worth while 
and may feel free to write for any of them they would care to have. Thye 
are all published and mailed free of charge. Kindly call the attention of 
your teachers to this matter and request them to make the most of this op- 
portunity to aid the Government in promoting a more intelligent understand- 
ing of our war situation. 

Very sincerely yours, 

MONMOUTH PUBLIC SCHOOLS 
Office of Superintexdext 

Date: January 15, 1918. 

To Whom: The Teachers of Fifth, Sixth, Seventh and Eighth Grades. 

Subject: Composition themes on Fuel Saving. 

The pressing importance of the fuel situation and problem suggests 
some live topics for oral and written composition. These topics furnish a 
good opportunity to encourage and develop originality and investigation. 
I shall be interested to learn what your pupils turn in on this matter. 



28 REPORT OF WAR WORK ACTIVITIES 

1. Why is it best to keep the temperature of our living rooms at 68 de- 

grees in winter. 

2. Our experience in trying to save one shovelful of coal per day. 

3. Some practical suggestions on saving fuel to the best advantage. 

These topics may suggest others. They may be made to draw out some 
real thinking and study as much worth while as anything you can do for 
language work. Let your chief aim be to develope strong conviction and 
resolute action. You will find the daily press full of helpful news and 
suggestions. 

Very cordially yours, 

MONMOUTH PUBLIC SCHOOLS 

Office of Superintendent 

Date: January 21, 1918. 

To Whom : The Boys and Girls. 

Subject: Making It Personal. 

A few days ago a good friend of mine gave me a clipping from a news- 
paper which is so full of splendid patriotism that I wish to send it to you in 
this way. It reads as follows : 

-I MAKE IT PERSONAL; 

DO YOU? 

This is my war. The kaiser is my enemy. Everyone who be- 
lieves in the kaiser, who favors the kaiser, who does the kaiser's 
bidding, who helps the kaiser in any way is my enemy. On my 
faithfulness, loyalty, industry, skill, thrift, self-denial, co-operation 
efficiency, earnestness, zeal, belief and honesty depend the outcome 
of this war. It will be won or lost by me. Each night when I lie 
down to sleep I shall say: "This is my war." Every morning when 
I awake I shall say : *T must fight every minute of this day with 
all my strength and purpose I possess to win." Democracy is my 
right. I must defend and establish that right at all times and 
against all odds. I believe that only with this full sense of my 
individual responsibility shall I be able to do my full duty as an 
American citizen. 

It is personal, active, every-day patriotism of this sort that will win 
the war speedily and will save the lives and health of thousands of our 
brave soldiers. It is indeed our war. The success of its outcome does 



MONMOUTH PUBLIC SCHOOLS 29 

depend upon us — you and me. We need to make it a personal issue and be 
constantly alert to do our part. Let us make it personal and remember that 
upon our faithfulness, loyalt3% industry, thrift, self-denial, co-operation, 
earnestness and honesty depends all that we shall have to safely enjoy in 
the Future. 

I am proud of your patriotism. You are loyal and true. With such 
young people to become the men and women of tomorrow, the world will be 
a safe place to live and the old promise in the Scriptures that "Righteous- 
ness shall cover the earth as the waters cover the sea" will be made true. 

Very sincerely yours, 

MONMOUTH PUBLIC SCHOOLS 

Office of Superintendent 

Date: January 24, 1918. 

To Whom: The Boys and Girls. 

Subject: The Rag-Picker and Patriotism. 

A few days ago while going about my duties over at the High School, 
I noticed a man rummaging about our garbage barrels in the alley just back 
of the building. He was picking out bits of old rags and paper and junk 
which the janitors had dumped into the barrels to be hauled away. Most 
of such material is saved and sold but a little had been dumped out with 
bits of broken glass-ware and other worthless stuff. After watching him 
for a few minutes, I decided to go out and see what the man really wanted 
and to learn who he was. He did not see me until I said "Hello, there. 
W^hat are you doing?" He jumped as if scared and started to explain that 
he was not stealing but just wanted to find a little junk and a few rags which 
he could sell for one cent per pound. It happened that I knew the man and 
his circumstances. 

This is his case : He has a family of several children. He is able 
bodied but will not work because he does not like to be "bossed". I tried 
once this fall to get him to accept a job at $2.25 per day and offered to help 
provide his family with food and clothing if he would work faithfully. He 
refused. His family is suffering now for want of necessities. 

In view of these facts, and of the fact that our country needs every man 
at productive work in these days as never before, what would you have said 
to him if you were in my place? 

Now do not answer hastily. I wish you would think this over carefully 
for a day or two and then write out your answer. Remember these things : 



30 REPORT OF WAR WORK ACTIVITIES 

1. The man is able bodied. 

2. There is need for every man to be at work. 

3. The man's family are suffering for food and clothing. 

4. He won't work because he doesn't like to be bossed. 

5. He believes that the world is against him. 

6. He has no education for anything but ordinary manual labor. 

7. He was once a boy of your age and had a chance to get an education. 

There is a great lesson is this incident. I shall be interested to learn 
what you think about it. 

Very sincerely, 

MONMOUTH PUBLIC SCHOOLS 

Office of Superintendent 

Date: March 15, 1918. 

To Whom : The Teachers. 

Subject: Teaching the Meaning of the Junior Red Cross. 

While the children are keenly interested in their Junior Red Cross En- 
rollment, there is a splendid opportunity to teach them something about the 
Red Cross with reference to its 

1. Origin — When — Where and How. 

2. Its W^ork Today : a. Alilitary Relief ; b. Civilian Relief. 

3. Its organization and support. 

and about their work and duties as Junior Red Cross Members. 

The Junior Membership Issue of the Central Division Bulletin is full 
of good suggestions along this line. There are two copies in your building. 
You may be able to secure a complete file of the Red Cross Bulletins by 
writing to American Red Cross, 180 North Wabash Avenue, Chicago. 

The following points are worthy of study with the children : 

1. President Wilson created the Junior Red Cross by proclamatino. He 
is also President of the American Red Cross. Read his letter on Page 4 
of Junior Membership Issue mentioned above. 

2. Junior Red Cross work as well as American Red Cross is for civilian 
relief as well as military. The adoption of a war Orphan is regular Red 



MONMOUTH PUBLIC SCHOOLS 31 

Cross Work. Helping the poor at home, raising a good garden to help con- 
serve food are commendable activities for Junior Red Cross members. 
Earning money to give for Red Cross supplies is also a commendable ac- 
tivity. 

3. Military Relief is also an important part of Junior Red Cross Ac- 
tivities. "If each school pupil in the United States should make one article, 
th^ Red Cross would gain 20,000.000 articles." Think of that! 

4. The Red Cross is absolutely necessary for winning the war. Have the 
children discovered the ways in which it is indispensable. ]Make a long list 
of things the Red Cross does : 

A. To hearten the men at the front. 

B. To relieve the wounded. 

C. To care for the sick. 

D. To care for the orphans. 

E. To provide for the homeless and destitute, etc., etc. 

Give real instances you know about. 

Other points will suggest themselves. Such work will furnish the very 
best kind of English lessons. Vital teaching may be done while the children 
are interested. Let us teach these facts and others to give perspective and 
background for our work in developing the patriotism and humanity there 
is in it. 

Very cordially, 

MONMOUTH PUBLIC SCHOOLS 

Office of Superixtexdent 

War Gardex Series No. 1 Home Gardex Series — 1918 

"THE NEED FOR WAR GARDENS CALLS FOR WORK IN EVERY 

BACKYARD." 

Date : March 8, 1918. 

To Whom : The Boys and Girls. 

Subject: War Gardens — Our Food Munition Plants. 

It is time to begin planning and working about our gardens. In fact, 
some of us have been keeping this thing in mind all winter. But now is the 



32 REPORT OF WAR WORK ACTIVITIES 

time for active preparation for this work. What have you done and what 
are you planning? 

Last year we called our gardens "Thrift Gardens". This year we shall 
name them "War Gardens". Can you think of a better name? The actual 
food needs and the part our gardens can be made to occupy in our war work 

makes such a name suggestive. 

# 

Our gardens will be more important this year than ever before. The 
U. S. Department of Agriculture says : 

In 1918: 

Every family must help feed itself. 

Fresh vegetables must be used to lessen home consumption of 
staple foods needed by troops and the allies. 

Home-produced food must lessen demand on railroads and other 
deliveries. 

More food must be canned in homes than ever before. 

There must be a war garden in every backyard fertile and sunny 
enough to grow vegetables. 

Every seed planted must be made to count in the food supply. 
The obligations of every man, woman and child out of uniform to help 
feed himself will be greater in 1918 than 1917. The need for Home-War 
Gardens calls for work in every backyard and in every vacant lot. There 
must be no slackers. Gardening is everybody's business in 1918, and every 
one must attend to that business. It is a patriotic duty. 

Let us begin now. Talk over your plans at home and at school. Sev- 
eral bulletins are under preparation for you. I shall be pleased to aid you in 
every possible way. 

Very cordially, 

L. L. Caldwell, Superintendent. 

P. S. — Remember that : 

The hoe is mightier than the sword. 

Change notion to motion — turn patriotic impulse into real backyard service. 

Are your garden tools repaired and ready for use? 



33 



To the Principals :- 



MOXMOUTH PUBLIC SCHOOLS 
Office of Superixtexdext 

April 12. 1917. 



We shall be pleased to prepare for the press and publication a series of 
compositions by your pupils on such topics as the following: 

■"Our Flag." 

"American Ideals." 

"Some Things I May Do to Serve ]My Country." 

"Some Things Even.- Patriotic American Should Do." 

■■]^Iy Home Garden." 

"What I Am Planning to Do This Summer." 

Other subjects may suggest themselves to you. Reports of school activities. 
Health Clubs, Civic Clubs may be also included. The children will be in- 
terested in preparing their work for publication and it will be interesting to 
the public. If you will send over good material to the Office, we shall be 
pleased to arrange for at least one day a week for your school. 

Kindly present this matter to your teachers at your earliest convenience; 

^'erv cordiallv vours. 



34 REPORT OF WAR WORK ACTIVITIES 

Samples of Cards and Blanks Used in War Work 

Activities 





Warren County Loyalty Day 

MARCH 25, 1918 

Declaration of Loyalty 

Junior Pledge 
My Country is at War 

To protect and preserve the Liberty of the People of the United States, 

and 
To make the World Safe for Democracy. 

MY Country Needs Me 

To do all I can in the conservation of food and other necessities, and 

To do my share in every reasonable way to aid in winning the war. 

I am ready to serve my Country to the best of my ability, and hereby 

pledge my Faithful Allegiance and Loval Service to the Gevrnment of the 

United States— MY COUNTRY. 

School Name 

Date Address 




iM?mh?rBl|tp tn tl|? 

Garfield School. Grade. 

Captain : Company 

I pledge my help to my country in this war by — 

1. Eating all food on my plate. 

2. Asking for plain food and eating it without complaint. 



3. Taking care of my clothes, books, tablets, pencils, etc. 

4. Making my shoes last by keeping them clean and polished. 

5. Saving one-half the money I usually spend for candy and movies. 

Signed 



MONMOUTH PUBLIC SCHOOLS 35 



TEACHERS' REPORT FORM ON SPECIAL LESSONS 

Date Teacher 

Subject School Grade.. 



L Number and Character of Lessons Taught. 
L Number of lessons 

2. Minutes per week 

3. Amount of correlation with other lessons : 

4. Does such work as this interfere with and hurt the regular work 

of the school? 

IL Source of Material used : 

L Found in regular text books : 

2. Found in other books : 

3. Found in Government Bulletins and Pamphlets : 

4. Found in other Bulletins and Pamphlets : 

5. Found in Newspapers and Magazines : 

6. Other material used : 



IIL Practical Devices used to develop habits 



IV. Evidence of Desirable Results. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



I 



020 914 393 




